Olive Tree Growth Conditions
Think of olive trees and one visualizes the warm sunny mediterranean but olive trees can be grown in north america as well.
Olive tree growth conditions. It needs frequent watering and at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. Olive trees grow best in full sun and begin their growth period in late winter or early spring when daytime temperatures reach 70 f. The olive tree is a dry weather plant but it doesn t grow well in desert conditions. Feed the tree once a month in fall and winter with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Choose the sunniest and most sheltered spot available a south facing spot with a brick wall behind it will work well. The areas where olive trees are cultivated for commercial use must have an average annual temperature of 60 68 f 15 20 c. Suitable geographic areas for example include europe s mediterranean region and coastal valleys in the state of california. How to grow olives where to grow olive trees olives are mediterranean plants so thrive in conditions closest to the hot dry climate of their native habitat.
Insufficient water will cause your tree to suffer and even die if left too dry for too long. Dig a hole just the size of the. Avoid sites where water stands during rainy periods or where ground water seeps into a hole two feet deep. Most won t need any additional humidity in your home.
Olive trees grow in a wide variety of climatic conditions and will grow well in any area with hot dry summers and mild winters. Do not however confuse the olive for a desert plant. Olive crops thrives best in climates with mild winters and long dry summers. For those gardeners with harsh winter conditions olive trees can be grown in containers and brought indoors for the winter.
The absolute maximum temperature can reach 104 f 40 c without causing damage but the minimum should not fall below 20 f 7 c. That s why an olive tree planted in a tropical climate will almost never bloom and bear fruit. Olive trees grow slowly especially in fall and winter so avoid overwatering. It needs regular watering to thrive.
Most aptly suited to areas which are prone to high heat and plenty of sunshine the olive tree should be planted outside and once established is fairly low maintenance. Olive trees require a well drained soil and a sunny position. Interestingly many varieties of olive trees in temperate climates actually need some degree of cold weather. The olive tree thrives in areas with mediterranean climate where mild winters are followed by sunny springs and hot summers.
To bloom trees need a 10 to 15 week period with nighttime. With some basic regular care your olive tree can give you many years of pleasure.